When the rookie general manager selected Alabama right tackle D.J. Fluker with the 11th pick, it was the first time the Chargers used a first-round pick on an offensive tackle since taking USC's James FitzPatrick in 1986.

Fluker, a fourth-year junior, is a powerful, enthusiastic run blocker who hammered SEC ends and linebackers and usually held up in pass protection. A 36-game starter, Fluker loves football. He has a bubbly personality. During games, he would hop and holler, imploring the Tide to run to his side.

FitzPatrick became a bust after developing weight and injury problems. Chargers strength coaches, for sure, will need to keep a close watch on Fluker, who is 6-foot-4 5/8 and 339 pounds. He played at 355 last year.

He made all 27 starts for Alabama's back-to-back national champions in 2011-12.

Fluker has the longest arms in the draft, allowing him to ward off pass-rushers, although he lacks a left tackle's mobility.

Right tackle is his best position, although he also profiles at guard.

It's not likely that Fluker will be a long-term starter at left tackle, although NFL Network analyst Marshall Faulk declared after the pick, "I think he can play left tackle."

I like Fluker. The Chargers still need to add a left tackle. Thursday, for the first time in draft history, three offensive tackles -- all left tackles -- went before the fifth pick. Ten days before the draft, Telesco said he'd like to see five quarterbacks taken among the top 10. Instead, for the first time since 2000, no quarterback went among the top 10 picks.